How to Make a Perfume With Real Vanilla Beans

Studies show that almost everyone loves the flavor and aroma of vanilla and that it is effective as an aphrodesiac. Many modern colognes and perfumes include vanilla. Instead of spending money on a commercial cologne or perfume, try making your own using vanilla beans and essential oils.

Difficulty: Moderately Easy

Instructions

Things You'll Need:

• Lemon or cinnamon essential oil
• Fresh vanilla beans
• 100-proof vodka
• Distilled water
• Coffee filter
• Perfume bottle

1. Place about 25 drops of essential oil in a small glass bowl. Use cinnamon oil if you like spicy scents and lemon oil for citrus scents. You can also use a more mildly scented essential oil if you want the vanilla aroma to dominate.

2. Cut open about 20 vanilla beans and use a teaspoon to scrape the fleshy interiors into the bowl.

3. Add 2 ounces of 100-proof vodka to the bowl.

4. Stir until the ingredients are well mixed. Cover the bowl and let sit for several hours to several weeks. The longer the mixture sits, the stronger the perfume will be.

5. Tuck a coffee filter into a 2-ounce perfume bottle, then pour the contents of the bowl through the filter to strain out any solids. Discard the coffee filter.

6. Add distilled water, if necessary, to the bottle until it is full. Close the bottle, shake it, then store it in a cool, dark place.

Tips & Warnings

• Look for fresh vanilla beans and essential oils in health food stores.

Resources

• Learn more about vanilla and its allure as a perfume